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Mark R. Palesh has managed such cities as Riverton, Centerville and Lindon, Utah; Juneau, Alaska; and Niagara Falls and Auburn, N.Y. Now he has been hired as the new city manager for West Jordan.

The city council announced this week that it chose Palesh, and plans to officially confirm the appointment at its Sept. 9 meeting.

"Mark brings a wealth of experience to our city that will help us move forward and build on the many things that make West Jordan a great place to live, work and raise a family," Mayor Kim V. Rolfe said.

"There are many great things happening in West Jordan, and I'm excited to take on this new challenge with Mayor Rolfe and the city council," Palesh said. "My experience in the military, public and private sectors will be an asset to this rapidly growing community."

Palesh has been serving as the managing member/CEO of the Magellan Group, a land development consulting firm in Salt Lake City, since 1995.

He also retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Air Force Reserve and National Guard, where he served as an instructor navigator and senior manager.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Parks College of Aeronautical Technology and a master of public administration degree from Brigham Young University.

The city said it conducted a nationwide search for the position with the help of an executive recruiting company, with whom it had contracted to pay up to $24,500. It said it received 21 applications, and four finalists were interviewed last week.

Palesh will replace Rick Davis, the city manager who resigned abruptly just over a year ago without explanation — and with an unusual severance package worth $200,000.

At the time of his departure, Davis was among several defendants in a civil-rights lawsuit filed by a city justice-court clerk supervisor. That suit has since been settled. He also was under some criticism for outside work as a senior executive for an Arizona-based government consulting firm that included clients as far flung as Kabul, Afghanistan, and Sitka, Alaska.

When Davis left after three years on the job, he was receiving compensation — including a salary topping $145,000 — worth around $200,000. In fact, after receiving a $44,000 buyout for vacation, sick leave and car allowance, he continued to be paid his salary, retirement and insurance benefits through June 30.

No one has explained Davis' sudden resignation or the severance package, but his separation agreement included a ban on the mayor, council members or any other city officials saying anything to disparage him.

He, in turn, agreed not to bring any claims against the city for age discrimination or violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Palesh's salary has not yet been made public. Kim Wells, West Jordan's public information officer, said it should be made public on Thursday when his contract is included in electronic information packets for the city council's next meeting.

Twitter: @LeeHDavidson